NATIVE

Native by E. Compton Lee

In this literary tale spun by author E. Compton Lee, the protagonist Annie Walker owns a farm in rural Pennsylvania where she keeps horses for riding lessons, boarding and training. She renews an old friendship with Clare Raffienne, a young woman she knew in her adolescence and who had once saved her from a menacing encounter with a group of teen-age boys. The two women reignite their friendship fostered by their mutual love for horses. Thus develops a tale of romance, jealousy, and shattered relationships. Written with an obvious affection for horses and keen insight into the twists and turns of love turned sour, deep friendship and betrayal, Ms. Lee brings to life a world of contrast between the grinding poverty in the “Holler” and the nearby affluence of those with property, wealth and the leisure time to indulge their interest in horseback riding. Add a dissolute young woman, Lydia who offers to work at Annie’s farm as a riding instructor and trainer, the story races to its harrowing climax. Ms. Lee examines the vagaries of women’s struggle for financial independence, with lost love and the risks of trust. A very worthwhile read.

John Bray author of the Dante Series